🇮🇳 Credit Card Requirements in India

In India the comparison usually turns on fuel surcharge waivers, lounge access, and which network a card runs on, since RuPay cards now link to UPI while Visa and Mastercard don't. Approval hinges on your CIBIL score (300 to 900; 750+ is generally treated as strong as of 2026), and issuers like HDFC, SBI Card, ICICI and Axis weigh your existing banking relationship. A typical perk, a few domestic lounge visits per quarter, is only worth it if you actually fly that often. Reward-point values vary widely by redemption, so check the rate and any milestone benefits on the issuer's site.

The score that matters

Banks in India lean heavily on your CIBIL Score (it runs 300–900). Clear 750+ and the premium cards open up; sit below it and you'll still find secured and starter cards built for thinner files.

What you'll usually need

• To be old enough — 18+, sometimes 21+ on certain cards
• ID that checks out (passport, national ID or the local equivalent)
• Something that proves where you live
• Evidence you earn — payslips, bank statements or tax records
• A CIBIL Score in the qualifying range
• Residency, or a visa/work permit that allows it

Tilting the odds your way in India

• Pull your CIBIL Score first — most bureaus let you see it free.
• Apply only for cards that match your score band; scattershot applications mean needless rejections.
• Keep balances low and never miss a due date.
• No history yet? Begin with a secured or entry-level card and build from there.

Regulator: Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Every issuer sets its own bar — confirm on the official application page before you apply.